Festivals

The New Year Festival, Busan: This festival greets the first sunrise of the New Year on Haeundae Beach and at Yongdusan Park, two popular tourist sites. Festival-goers will bid farewell to 2014 at a bell-tolling event at Yongdusan Park from 11 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 12:30 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2015. The event will resume with the sunrise on Haeundae Beach at 6:40 a.m. Small and large events such as fireworks, concerts and other entertainment will add to the festive mood. For more information, visit festival.busan.kr.

Ttangkkeut Sunset Sunrise Festival: Haenam, South Jeolla Province, is one of several spots in Korea with a magnificent view of the sunset on New Year’s Eve and sunrise on New Year’s Day. Brother Rocks (Hyeongjebawi) is the vantage point for watching the sunrise from the southernmost point of the peninsula. The festival starts on New Year’s Eve with Korean fireworks, traditional song and dance performances, and the town’s time-honored ritual to fend off bad fortunes. The sunrise will be greeted by striking a Korean gong, followed by New Year’s wishes and music performances. For more information, visit tour.haenam.go.kr.

Pyeongchang Trout Festival: This annual trout fishing event will be held from Dec. 20 to Feb. 8 in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, which is one of the coldest regions in Korea and is known for record snowfalls. At the festival, visitors can try ice fishing and a variety of activities from folk pastimes to snow sports such as driving four-wheel ATVs on the ice, going snow rafting and riding sleigh trains. The festival will take place by Odaecheon Stream across from Jinbu Bus Terminal. For more information, visit festival700.or.kr (Korean only) or call (033) 336-4000.

Exhibitions

“Waterscapes: The Politics of Water”: Kumho Museum of Art, borrowing the word “waterscapes,” first coined by Indian anthropologist Arjun Appaduri, examines the multifaceted subject of water in relation to the increasing global concerns over issues such as water shortages and conflicts, water quality deterioration, unequal distribution of water and corporate control of public water systems. The exhibition mostly features video works by artists of different nationalities, who each approach the subject from a different perspective. The exhibition continues through Dec. 14 at the Kumho Museum of Art on Samcheongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul. It will continue at the Pohang Museum of Steel Art from Jan. 15 to March 29. For more information, call (02) 720-5114.

“Staying in the Mindscape”: Artist Nam Kyung-min imagines what the lives of Korean painting masters such as Kim Hong-do and Shin Yoon-bok were like in her new paintings currently on exhibit at Savina Museum of Contemporary Art in Seoul. Nam moves the imaginary rooms of the painters onto canvas in a fashionable way. The rooms feature painting tools, the painters’ masterpieces, symbolic objects and beautiful views of the gardens outside. The layouts of the rooms are based on the artist’s research, over a four-year period, on traditional paintings and painters. The fact that there’s little information about the working environment of Korean painting masters gave the artist much freedom to imagine what their studios would look like. The exhibition continues through Dec. 19. For more information, call (02) 736-4371.

Linda McCartney Retrospective: Daelim Museum in Seoul is holding a retrospective on photographer Linda McCartney until April 26, 2015. The first retrospective here of the celebrated photographer shows McCartney’s earlier works, including portraits of popular musicians such as Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix, family photos depicting her happy life with Paul McCartney and their children, and later works that capture the beauty of daily life and nature. Admission is 5,000 won for adults. The museum is located next to Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. For more information, visit www.daelimmuseum.org.

“National Song Contest”: The Buk Seoul Museum of Art is presenting a photo exhibition by artist Byun Soon-cheol, who has been documenting the long-running, popular singing audition TV program “National Song Contest.” The exhibition showcases 40 portraits of contestants of the program, revealing their long-cherished passion to sing and dance onstage. The exhibition features a video documenting audience members and contestants of the program from the point of view of the artist. The exhibition continues through January 2015 at the museum in Nowon-gu, Seoul. For more information, call (02) 2124-5270.

Dance

“Cavalia”: Big Top, the world’s biggest touring tent, has been erected near Olympic Stadium in Jamsil-dong for the equestrian circus “Cavalia.” Created by Normand Latourelle, one of the cofounders of the famed Cirque du Soleil, Cavalia is an innovative production that boldly explores the boundaries of equestrian arts and acrobatic feats. Staged by the original Canadian cast and some 50 beautiful horses, the show continues through Dec. 28. Tickets cost 50,000 won to 250,000 won. For more information, call (02) 418-2456 or visit www.cavalia.co.kr.

“Swan Lake”: The Russia Novosibirsk State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater troupe is making its way to Seoul for its production of one of the ballet world’s classic tales ― “Swan Lake.” The original Russian tale is about a young princess who is turned into a swan after being put under an evil spell. Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov first staged the ballet in 1876 and it has been revised countless times over the years. The upcoming production of “Swan Lake” will be held at the Sejong Center in Seoul for three days, from Dec. 12-14. Tickets range from 50,000 won to 300,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“Jesus Christ Superstar”: In honor of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s coveted rock opera love child, the 41-year-old “Jesus Christ Superstar,” the Gangdong Arts Center in Seoul will be holding a special modern dance production of the Broadway musical. The choreography is said to be similar to that of the musical, with the dancers performing along with Webber’s original soundtrack. The dance version of “Jesus Christ Superstar” will be staged on Dec. 12 and 13. Tickets are listed at 20,000 won and 30,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“The Nutcracker”: The original production of “The Nutcracker” was created in 1892 by Marius Petipa and choreographed by Lev Ivanov. To this day, the internationally successful ballet piece remains a classic holiday tale. In 1986, Universal Ballet first presented its version of “The Nutcracker” by Adrienne Dellas in Seoul. In 1999, the ballet was reinterpreted here by choreographer Vasily Vainonen. The upcoming performance will be staged at the Universal Arts Center in Seoul from Dec. 19 to 31, with ticket prices ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 won.

Pop music

“Tenacious D”: Rock musician and Hollywood actor Jack Black, best known for his role as Dewey Finn in the blockbuster hit “School of Rock,” will be coming to Seoul along with bandmate Kyle Gass for the comedy rock duo Tenacious D’s first concert in Korea. The band is known for Black’s thespian-like vocals and the quick-witted crude humor that people have come to expect from the rocker-comedian. In 2012, Tenacious D released its most recent album, “Rize of the Fenix,” which received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Comedy Album in 2013. The duo is slated to perform at Seoul Olympic Park’s Olympic Hall on Dec. 5 and 6. Ticket prices range from 99,000 won to 121,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“Psy Concert: All Night Stand”: Just as he did last year, Psy will be returning to the stage for four energy-filled nights for his upcoming “All Night Stand” holiday concert series. Inarguably the world’s most famous K-pop star to date, Psy has held some form of a holiday concert annually for the past decade, with last year’s four-day event attracting a total of 60,000 fans. The man who defined Gangnam style will be hosting five shows from Dec. 19 to 24, with two separate performances on Christmas Eve. The shows will be held at Seoul Olympic Park’s Gymnastics Stadium with ticket prices ranging from 77,000 won to 165,000. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“The Swell Season Live in Seoul”: Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, widely known for their lead roles in the Irish box-office hit indie musical film “Once,” will be reviving their 2007 onscreen chemistry with a special live performance in Seoul. The duo’s single, “Falling Slowly,” landed the film an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008. Hansard and Irglova will be performing on Jan. 10 and 11 at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts with ticket prices ranging from 66,000 won to 110,000. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“5 Nights ― Hyundai Card Culture Project 17”: As part of Hyundai Card’s ongoing Culture Project, “5 Nights” will be bringing five international rock bands for a five-day concert series. Avenged Sevenfold, Bastille, Starsailor, Rudimental and Asgeir will be making their way to Korea this New Year to rock Seoul in a large-scale, weeklong music festival. The upcoming “5 Nights” rock music series will be held from Jan. 12-17 at the Jamsil Sports Complex Culture Dome Stage. Concertgoers can purchase one-day tickets or a five-day pass, with one-day passes listed at 88,000 won and a week pass priced at 198,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

Theater

“O Henry’s Christmas Gift”: Adapted from three of American writer O. Henry’s short stories ― “After Twenty Years,” “Cop and the Anthem” and “The Whirligig of Life” ― this family-friendly theatrical performance will be taking place over the holiday season. The trio of heartwarming stories about family, love and neighbors will run from Dec. 4 to 28 at Apgujeong Bara Art Hall, near Apgujeong Station, on Line 3. Tickets are 25,000 won. For details, call (02) 764-7462.

“Mr. Show”: Following the successful premiere of “Mr. Show” this spring, the women-only adult show is back for the holiday season. Directed by renowned musical director Kolleen Park, eight good-looking Korean men will perform on stage, dancing and acting their way through eight different themes, while audience members will join the party together. The sexy variety show is open only to women aged 19 or over. It runs through Jan. 31 in Seoul at Lotte Card Art Center near Hapjeong Station, on Lines 2 and 6. Tickets are 60,000 won and 80,000 won. For details, visit www.mrshow.co.kr.

“The Pillars of Society”: “The Pillars of Society” (1877), a lesser-known work by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, is debuting in Korea as a stage drama. Karsten Bernick, a shipwright in a small coastal town in Norway, is respected in his community for his high moral integrity. However, he has a secret plan to bring a railway to the town, while buying up land along the railway to make a profit. But the plan, along with Karsten’s past scandals, is destined to come to light after Johan, Karsten’s brother-in-law, returns to the town after 15 years. Directed by Kim Kwang-bo, “The Pillars of Society” will run until Nov. 30 at LG Arts Center near Yeoksam Station. Tickets are 30,000 won to 50,000 won. For details, visit www.lgart.com.

“Tribes”: A play by English theater director and playwright Nina Raine, “Tribes” is being staged for the first time in Korea by director Park Jung-hee. The play centers on a British Jewish family of five ― Beth and Christopher and their three grown children, including the youngest, Billy, who is deaf. Billy brings his girlfriend Sylvia, a hearing woman born to deaf parents, home for dinner. The family’s interactions with her reveal the meaning of family and communication. “Tribes” will run until Dec. 14 at Seoul Arts Center’s Jayu Theater, near Nambu Bus Terminal Station. Tickets are 35,000 won and 50,000 won. For details, call (02) 580-1300 or visit www.sacticket.co.kr.

“Andrei Serban’s Different Chunhyang”: Based on the pansori (Korean folk narrative) “Chunhyangga,” Korea’s most popular love story is recreated as a changgeuk (Korean traditional opera) by renowned director Andrei Serban. The Romanian-born American theater director takes the original story of Seong Chun-hyang, the daughter of a low-class retired female entertainer, and Lee Mong-ryong, the son of a nobleman, and modernizes the settings, dialogues and costumes to suit today’s audiences. “Andrei Serban’s Different Chunhyang” will run until Dec. 6 at Daloreum Theater at the National Theater of Korea near Dongguk University Station. Tickets range from 20,000 won to 50,000 won and English translation is provided during the show. For details, call (02) 2280-4114 or visit www.ntok.go.kr.

“Kinky Boots”: A Broadway musical that bagged six Tony Awards last year is having its first off-Broadway run in Seoul in December. A collaboration between Broadway producers and Korean entertainment firm CJ E&M, the show is based on the 2005 film of the same title, with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper. A struggling British shoe factory’s young, straitlaced owner, Charlie, forms an unlikely partnership with Lola, a drag queen, to save the business. The Korean rendition of “Kinky Boots” opens Dec. 5 at Chungmu Art Hall in Seoul. For details, call (02) 2230-6600.

“Once”: The Korean production of “Once” will open Dec. 14 at Seoul Arts Center for a three-month run. Based on the 2006 film of the same title, the original Broadway musical won eight Tony Awards in 2012, including the trophy for the year’s best musical. For its Korean version, veteran rocker Yoon Do-hyun will play the lead role. He will play Guy, an Irish street musician and vacuum cleaner repairman who falls in love with Girl, a Czech flower seller. Yoon will rotate with musical actor Lee Chang-hee for the role, and two emerging musical actresses, Jeon Mi-do and Park Ji-yeon, will play Girl. “Once” will run from Dec. 14 through March 29 at the 1,000-seat CJ Towol Theater in Seoul Arts Center. Tickets cost 60,000 won to 120,000 won. For details, call (02) 577-1987.

“Notre-Dame de Paris”: The original French production of the famous musical “Notre-Dame de Paris” will be staged in Korea, marking the 10th anniversary of the show’s Korean premiere in 2006. Based on French writer Victor Hugo’s popular novel “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame,” the musical tells the story of Quasimodo, a deformed hunchback who dwells within Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and falls in love with a beautiful gypsy dancer, Esmeralda. Starting in Daegu in December, it will tour multiple cities for three months. It will come to Seoul’s Sejong Center for Performing Arts on Jan. 15, 2015. For details, call (02) 749-9037.


Classical music

“Die Fledermaus”: The Korea National Opera will revive its 2012 production of Johann Strauss II’s “Die Fledermaus (The Bat)” at Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul from Dec. 12-14. British stage director Stephen Lawless will helm the farcical operetta again with an all-Korean cast. Conductor Chung Chi-yong will lead the Korea Symphony Orchestra in the pit. Ticket prices range from 10,000 won to 150,000 won. For details, call (02) 586-5284 or visit www.nationalopera.org. 

“Eugene Onegin”: Seoul Arts Center will present a concert performance of Tchaikovsky’s poignant opera “Eugene Onegin,” with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra and an international cast. Baritone Kong Byoung-woo will sing the part of Onegin, opposite soprano Lee Yun-ah as Tatiana. Shao-Chia Lu will conduct and James Robinson will direct. The performance will start at 7 p.m. at the Concert Hall of Seoul Arts Center, southern Seoul, on Dec. 6. Tickets cost 30,000 won to 150,000 won. For details, call (02) 580-1300 or visit www.sacticket.co.kr.

Stefan Jackiw & Ji Yong duo recital: Violinist Stefan Pi Jackiw and pianist Ji Yong, both members of the all-male chamber ensemble DITTO, will hold recitals in three cities including Seoul on Dec. 8. The program consists of compositions by Maurice Ravel, Kaija Saariaho and Cesar Frank. The Seoul concert will be held at Seoul Arts center and tickets cost 30,000 won to 70,000 won. For more information, call 1577-5266 or visit www.clubbalcony.com.

Mark Padmore recital: British tenor Mark Padmore will perform Schubert’s “Winterreise,” with Paul Lewis on piano, at the Hyden Hall of Goyang Aramnuri in the city of Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on Dec. 11. The pair’s 2010 recording of the song cycle ― set in 24 evocative poems by Schubert’s contemporary Wilhelm Muller ― won critical acclaim, including a Grammophon award. The concert starts at 8 p.m. Ticket prices range from 20,000 won to 80,000 won. For details, call 1577-7766 or visit www.artgy.or.kr.

Chung Myung-whun: Maestro Chung Myung-whun is holding his first recital tour of Korea as a pianist rather than as a conductor. He will play at Seoul Arts Center in Seoul on Dec. 27 and in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, and Daejeon early next year. The program consists mostly of short piano pieces by Brahms and Chopin. Ticket prices range from 44,000 won to 132,000 won. For details, call (02) 558-4588.